How can I support a 4x6 ft diffuser or scrim outdoors in light wind?
Asked 5/1/2024
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I’m using a large 4x6 ft diffusion panel/scrim outdoors around midday, where it needs to be held fairly high over the subject. Even in mild wind, my assistant struggled to keep it under control because the panel acted like a sail. I’ve seen small reflector holders for light stands, but this seems too large for that kind of setup. Is there a practical way to hand-hold or otherwise support a diffuser/scrim this size outdoors?
Originally by David Doria. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
David Doria
2y ago
2 Answers
2
I am confused because you are posting an image of a reflector, and on the text, it seems you are describing a white diffuser as a sun scrim.
The difference is that a reflector can be held even on the floor because the main goal is to reduce shadows on the opposite side of the sun, while sunscreen needs to be used over the subject's head.
For a reflector, You can make a DIY frame even with PVC pipes. That size is on the upper limit a 3/4 in pipe can handle, but still manageable.
To keep it portable, you can use "T" connectors.
Just look that every connector is tight. If it is not, you can add some tape to the pipe to tighten the connection.
Keep in mind that every connector can reduce the overall structural integrity against torsion.
A reflector can be hand-held by one assistant, which normally is fine if the lower edge is on the floor, which gives a lot of stability when using a frame.
For an overhead diffuser, there are aluminum frames.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=aluminum+frame+photo+difusser
A large diffuser, a "sun scrim" for safety reasons, IMHO would need to be hand-held by two assistants.
In some promo photos, they show it standing on two C light stands with sandbags, but I would not risk safely leaving them unatended.
You can still make a DIY frame, but I would make that with aluminum tubes or even carbon fiber.
There are no 90° connectors made of aluminum. Here is an adaptation I made (but for other usage) using PVC.
But for a sturdy frame, I would use metallic ones + screws.
Additional note. See if you need a diffuser that large. Probably you can use a smaller, more manageable, 1 person hand-held one.
Originally by Rafael. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Rafael
2y ago
0
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A 4x6 ft diffuser used overhead is really functioning as a scrim, and at that size wind becomes the main problem. Small reflector holders are generally not the right solution for a panel this large.
A practical approach is to mount the diffusion material in a rigid frame, for example a simple DIY frame made from PVC pipe. For 4x6 ft, 3/4-inch PVC is about the upper end of what’s still manageable. Use T-connectors if you want it portable, and make sure all joints fit tightly; loose joints can be shimmed with tape.
That said, every connector reduces torsional stiffness, so the bigger issue is still wind resistance. A large overhead scrim may simply be difficult for one assistant to control safely in breeze. By contrast, a reflector can often be used lower and is easier to hand-hold.
So the best help is a proper frame for rigidity, but even then expect a 4x6 overhead diffuser to be hard to hand-hold in wind.
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